We recently camped at Blackhawk Memorial Park in Southwest Wisconsin. This was our second time at Blackhawk. I first learned of the park from a great book, Best Tent Camping: Wisconsin. Blackhawk Memorial Park is perfect for last-minute camping trips. The campground is never full, even on Memorial Day weekend.

A great place to camp in Southwest Wisconsin! - Blackhawk Memorial Park - Local attractions, tips & more.
Our campsite

Getting to your site can take a little time. There is a one-lane gravel road to the sites that permits two-way traffic. We often had to back up to let an oncoming car pass.

The sites are beside Bloody Lake and the backwaters of the Pecatonica river, so bring your boat. We camped on the shore of Bloody Lake.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Bloody Lake, the site of the 1832 Battle of Bloody Lake

Also, don’t forget your bug spray. Even though there are tons of bats at this park, mosquitos can still be a problem.

  • Location: County Road Y near Argyle, WI
  • Reservations: None, pay at box when you arrive and select your site
  • Camping fees: $5/day during the week, $10/day on the weekends
  • Firewood: Available on-site from 5PM-7PM daily
  • Picnic tables: Most sites do not have picnic tables, so you may want to bring a fold-up table.

The area around Blackhawk Memorial is abundant with wildlife.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Blue Heron in a pond just south of the park on Co. Rd. Y
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Sandhill Crane
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Turkey Vulture

Blackhawk Memorial park is ideally situated for exploring other attractions in the area.

Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area
Fishing is a popular activity at Cadiz Springs. We hiked the one mile self-guided Zander Lake Nature Trail, and then we explored the unnamed trails.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin

Yellowstone Lake State Park
I highly recommend the wildlife loop trail near the park office. Just don’t forget your binoculars.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Bald Eagle

We were lucky enough to spot two bald eagles.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Bald Eagle guarding a nest

We saw a large variety of other birds as well.

Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Male Red-winged Blackbird
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Female Red-winged Blackbird
Camping at Blackhawk Memorial Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Spotted Sandpiper

New Glarus Woods
We visited New Glarus Woods and did the 4.2 mile Havenridge nature trail. It took us through beautiful forests and prairies. I’d definitely recommend a hike at New Glarus Woods followed up by a beer at New Glarus Brewery.

Camping at Blackhawk County Park – Southwest Wisconsin
Celebrating our first anniversary with a hike in New Glarus Woods.

We ran into several people who were collecting Morel mushrooms. One couple told us they collected over 600 morels this year!

I’m happy to help you plan your camping trip! Please leave your questions in the comments, and I will do my best to respond.